In March 2012 compared with February 2012, the volume of retail trade rose by 0.3% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.7% in the EU27. In February retail trade fell by 0.2% and 0.5% respectively. In March 2012, compared with March 2011, the retail sales index dropped by 0.2% in the euro area, but grew by 1.0% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In March 2012, compared with February 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” remained stable in both the euro area and the EU27. The non food sector increased by 0.1% and 0.6% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in ten, fell in nine and remained stable in Ireland and Sweden. The highest increases were observed in Bulgaria (+3.9%), Poland (+2.6%), Austria and the United Kingdom (both +1.9%), and the largest decreases in Portugal (-2.2%), Estonia (-2.0%) and Slovenia (-1.4%).

Annual comparison

In March 2012, compared with March 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.3% in the euro area and remained stable in the EU27. The non food sector rose by 0.3% and 2.2% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in fifteen and fell in six. The highest increases were observed in Latvia (+10.0%), Estonia (+9.3%) and Luxembourg (+7.2%), and the largest decreases in Portugal (-5.0%), Spain (-3.9%) and Malta (-2.7%).